County Pulls Out Of $22 Million Training Facility In North Escambia
December 12, 2008
Escambia County is pulling out of a $22 million deal to purchase 684 acres north of Molino near the Camp O’ the Pines for a regional police, fire and EMS training facility, at least for now, after the sheriff-elect said he wanted out of the deal.
The Escambia County Commission voted 5-0 Thursday night to withdraw support for the joint project between the county, Pensacola Junior College, The PJC Foundation and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department. The entities entered into an interlocal agreement in 2006 to purchase the land from RMS Timberlands, LLC for $3,278,400. That sale was to be closed by December 18 on the Highway 29 property.
$11 million of the total $22 million price tag for the facility was to be contributed by the sheriff’s department via the county from local option sales tax money. The other $11 million was to come from a state grant obtained by PJC. But Sheriff-elect David Morgan said he was not convinced that the facility was needed.
Thursday night, the commission voted to put the project on hold for six months. The vote authorized County Administrator Bob McLaughlin (pictured left at Thursday night’s meeting) to withdraw support for the project, coordinate a re-evaluation of the project’s merits with Morgan and other agencies, and to reconvene the site selection committee after the needs evaluation.
The land purchase was scheduled to close by December 18. The agreement contained a $200,000 penalty clause if the closing were to be delayed.
“The county will have to pay $200,000 if they delay the closing, but not if they cancel the land purchase before the scheduled closing.” Sonya Daniel, county spokesperson, said.
Plans called for the facility to being as a state-of-the-art firing range for PJC students and area law enforcement. It was to expand into a fire and emergency medical service training facility.
Morgan will take office as then new Escambia sheriff in January.
Northview Student Named Finalist In Rotary Four-way Essay Contest
December 12, 2008
A Northview High School junior was recently named a finalist in a Rotary Club essay contest.
Jessica N. Bloodworth was selected as finalist for her essay on the topic “Why is the Rotary Four-way Test relevant?”.
She was presented a commendation certificate and a $200 check from the International Rotary Club of Pensacola Suburb and West (SubWest Rotary).
The Rotary Four-Way test was created in 1952 by Chicago Rotarian Herbert Taylor. This test is about the things we think, say or do. “Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” He asked employees to memorize the Four-way test and make a habit of checking their thoughts, words and deeds against it every day.
Pictured above: Bloodsworth receives a certificate of commendation and a $200 check from Rotary member and contest chair Wendy S. Simon. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Bloodsworth’s essay is reprinted below in its entirety.
Ready, Aim, FIRE!
The military brings unthought of relevance to the Rotary Four-Way Test today. Our nation’s armed services are the direct truth, they show fairness, bring goodwill and friendships to others, and are beneficial to all concerned for many reasons. These reasons are displayed through the foundation of a well-regulated militia, the selections process of honorable men and women, charity for the needy persons of this nation, and the comradery among fellow service men.
To begin, in the country’s present time of need due to the war in Iraq and economic troubles, there is a demand for a steadfast foundation such as the military. The military is the truth because it was written into our country’s constitution–the need of a well-regulated militia– by our founding fathers such as Thomas Jefferson. This prestigious organization, the military, brings feelings of security as people look toward and analyze one thing; the honest truth. In the military trust plays a vital role not only among soldiers, but of the government as well. If the men and women in the line of duty don’t trust each other then directions aren’t going to be followed and lives are going to be lost. The faithful citizens who serve must trust the decisions of the government officials and one another in order to carry out their jobs efficiently in which effect the American citizens who trust the government and military actions as well. Therefore, trust–I believe–is a necessity to be right at the heart of American values and subsequently at the heart of the military’s values as well.
Proceeding on, fairness is very essential in playing a role in the military. As men and women enlist or become commissioned officers in the armed services, there are specific rules and regulations in place to insure the country’s well-being that must be followed. For example, prospective soldiers must not have serious pre-existing health conditions or criminal records. This would cause national security problems, endanger their fellow co-workers, and cause discrimination if these rules weren’t in place. In addition, once outstanding men and women are chosen to serve, it is very beneficial and in the country’s best interest that only the most outstanding people are qualified to provide national security. Not only is qualification a must on the person’s own behalf, but a senior enlisted soldier or an officer must extend fairness among his/her fellow subordinates to make sure that everyone is doing what they’re suppose to be doing to make tasks run smoothly and delegate to give others a sense of importance. To note, extreme fairness should also be extended to those who are serving or who have served in our nation’s armed forces and have been held as a prisoner of war or a position comparable to receive special recognition and compensation for their grief and sufferance.
Last but not least, although the military is usually a word mentioned in serious conversation or context, it is also about the brotherhood and the family bonds that are established. As there are approximately 5,000 sailors onboard an aircraft carrier, which is much like a floating city, there are numerous friendships made during the time deployed. The people onboard establish bonds that last far beyond their cruise at sea. For instance, as I watched the episodes of the documentary Carrier this past summer, I keyed in on the fact that “..it’s just like a floating high school out here.” was mentioned. And to some extent I’m sure it’s true. Much like a high school setting a ship is portrayed to be full of lasting friendships, personal drama, affectionate relationships, and even professional disputes that may occur. Thus, as all of the personalities and ethnic backgrounds collide it is genetically programmed in the nature of humans to help one another and bring goodwill to each other in their time of need no matter what personal conflicts they may face because especially in the military you’re a team and a family. To deviate, in addition to helping one another the armed services also sponsor and donate time and money to various charities and needy individuals such as the Salvation Army at Christmas time and rescuing victims of natural disasters.
In summary, the military brings relevance to the Rotary Four-Way Test today because it is the truth, it casts fairness on those involved, it brings goodwill and builds better friendships, and it is beneficial to all concerned. The relevance is displayed through security along with our country’s constitution, guidelines for service, brotherhood, and charity. Like Douglas MacArthur once said, “A better world shall emerge based on faith and understanding.”
County Cuts Tax Exemptions For West Fraser Following Layoffs, Delays Action On Wayne Dalton
December 12, 2008
The Escambia County Commission has repealed a county ordinance providing tax breaks to West Fraser Timber Company’s McDavid Mill following layoffs at the plant. The commission also delayed a similar action on tax breaks for Pensacola’s Wayne Dalton Corporation.
The commission voted 5-0 Thursday night to repeal the West Fraser’s ad valorem tax breaks, and voted 5-0 to delay action on cutting the tax breaks for Wayne Dalton.
The Wayne Dalton exemptions will remain in place pending further review.
Charles Wood, senior economic development coordinator for the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, told commissioners that while Wayne Dalton has announced layoffs, those layoffs will not actually happen until early 2009.
Wood said that an early end to the Wayne Dalton tax breaks might send the wrong message to industries considering Escambia County.
“We want to make sure we don’t send the wrong message,” Wood said.
The county attorney’s office recommended that the tax exemptions be repealed because the companies no longer meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the county and state law.
The tax exemptions were for 100 percent of the value of “certain real estate and personal property” on the corporations.
County tax records show a $6,891,161 real estate exemption for West Fraser in 2008. West Fraser was exempted from $48,069.29 in county taxes and $4,720.45 for the sheriff’s department on their real estate in 2008.
West Fraser received a $14,949,326 exemption on company property in 2008. That amounted $104,279.02 in county tax exemptions and $10,240.29 for the sheriff’s department in 2008.
The county’s tax exemption for West Fraser was to have continued until 2010.
Between 75 and 100 jobs were cut in November at West Fraser in what the company called a “market-related curtailment”.
Pictured above: The Escambia County Commission Thursday night.
Commissioners Won’t Gamble On Poker Games
December 12, 2008
The Escambia County Commission was not willing to bet on cardroom gaming at a county greyhound track.
The commission voted 3-2 to deny a request to allow poker games at the Pensacola Greyhound Park. Commissioners Kevin White, Wilson Robertson and Marie Young voted against the card game gambling. Commissioners Grover Robinson and Gene Valentino voted for the cardroom gaming.
The greyhound park has laid off almost 100 people in recent months. Owners said the cardroom gaming would put about 150 people to work.
A parade of citizens spoke out for and and against the proposal. Some talked economics and putting people in the community to worked, while others spoke out with moral issues against the gambling.
“I consider myself a moral, spiritual and ethical person, but this has nothing to do with that,” Valentino said. He said the cardroom gaming at the greyhound park was simply a matter of economics.
The Pensacola Greyhound Park no longer offers live dog races; they show simulcast races from South Florida.
Northview, Atmore Schools Score Cash With FNB&Trust Points Club
December 12, 2008
The First National Bank and Trust in Atmore distributed Points Club funds to area schools Thursday afternoon, paying out cash for points that three area schools earned at each home football game.
Each football program received $50 for each touchdown and $25 for each field goal scored during a home football game. Escambia County High School received $700; Escambia Academy earned $450. Northview High School was awarded $350.
Pictured above: Northview High School Head Coach Cody Keene receives a $350 Points Club check from the First National Bank and Trust Thursday afternoon. Pictured (L-R) are: Jessica Peebles, Tracy Hodgen, NHS Coach Cody Keene, Jean Nisewonger, Kathy Holland and Brandon Johnson. Pictured below, left photo: Tracy Hodgen presents a check to Escambia Academy Coach Heath Gibson. Pictured below, right: ECHS Principal Harvey Means (L) and Coach Kyle Davis recieve a check from Andrea Lassitter. NorthEscambia.com photos, click to enlarge.
No Sunday Booze In North Santa Rosa
December 12, 2008
After consideration by the Santa Rosa County Commission, liquor sales in north Santa Rosa county will remain illegal on Sundays.
The Santa Rosa Commission voted unanimously Thursday to keep Sunday liquor sales illegal in the northern part of the county. Sunday alcohol sales are legal south of the East River in communities like Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Midway and the beach. That’s the area the county says is tourist driven enough for Sunday sales.
Several north Santa Rosa businesses had approached the commission to requesting that Sunday liquor sales be legalized to help their bottom line during the recession. Just as voters rejected Sunday sales during a 1998, the commission rejected the request.
Century Chamber Holds Christmas Open House
December 12, 2008
The Century Chamber of Commerce held its annual Christmas Open House Thursday afternoon and evening. Chamber members had the opportunity to network and check out the chamber’s decorations at the same time. Pictured above: Century Town Council Member Sharon Scott enjoys finger foods at the chamber open house. NorthEscambia.com photo.
Sixth Residential Fire Adds Red Bulb In Wreath Campaign
December 12, 2008
Escambia County lit another red bulb in the county fire safety “Keep the Wreath Green” campaign Thursday night, with the county experiencing residential house fire number six.
At 5:26 p.m. Thursday, a fire was reported in the 7400 block of Nokomis Street in Pensacola. (Editor’s note: This is Nokomis STREET in Pensacola, not Nokomis ROAD in North Escambia.) Firefighters found a large fire spreading quickly through the house. The fire, which originated from the hot water heater, caused approximately $30,000 in damage to the home. Firefighters also determined that while the home had a smoke alarm, it was not functioning and delayed the discovery of the fire. No injuries were reported. Firefighters from Bellview, Ensley, Beulah, and the Navy responded.
Escambia County Fire Rescue and the City of Pensacola would like to remind everyone that smoke alarms save lives. Sixty-five percent of home fire deaths happen in homes with no smoke alarms at all or no smoke alarms that work. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and you need smoke alarms to give you time to get out. Here are a few safety tips concerning smoke alarms:
- Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area and on every level of the home, including the basement. Interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.
- An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires and a photoelectric smoke alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires. For the best protection, both types of alarms or a combination alarm (photoelectric and ionization) should be installed in homes.
- Test alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button.
- Smoke rises; install smoke alarms following manufacturer’s instructions high on a wall or a ceiling. Save manufacturer’s instructions for testing and maintenance.
- Replace batteries in all smoke alarms at least once a year. If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace battery right away.
- Replace all smoke alarms, including alarms that use ten year batteries and hard-wired alarms, when they are ten years old or sooner if they do not respond properly when tested.
- Be sure the smoke alarm has the label of a recognized testing laboratory.
- Alarms that are hard-wired (and include battery backup) must be installed by a qualified electrician.
- If cooking fumes or steam sets off nuisance alarms, replace the alarm with an alarm that has a “hush” button. A “hush” button will reduce the alarm’s sensitivity for a short period of time.
- An ionization alarm with a hush button or photoelectric alarm should be used if the alarm is within 20 feet of a cooking appliance.
- Smoke alarms that include a recordable voice announcement, in addition to the usual alarm sound, may be helpful in waking children through the use of a familiar voice.
- Smoke alarms are available for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These alarms use strobe lights. Vibration equipment can be added to these alarms.
- Smoke alarms are an important part of a home fire escape plan.
Escambia County Fire-Rescue and the City of Pensacola Fire Department will continue the “Keep the Wreath Green” fire safety campaign throughout the holiday season. This year, the fifth year of the campaign, five-foot wreaths will be on display at 22 different locations throughout the holiday season. These sites are the Old Escambia County Courthouse on Palafox Place, the Public Safety Building on W Street, all 18 primary county fire stations, and two fire stations within the City of Pensacola. Every time firefighters respond to a residential fire a green light bulb will be replaced with a red one to remind citizens of the dangers posed by holiday decorations.
Manna Food Pantries Not Leaving North Escambia; Need Increasing
December 11, 2008
With layoffs and a failing economy, the business of Manna Food Pantries is picking up across the county, including here in North Escambia. And, despite rumors, Manna directors say they are not leaving North Escambia.
“It’s just unbelievable,” Cathy Sowell, Manna Pantries program director told NorthEscambia.com. “We are seeing people that have never been here before. They were a working family until a job was lost. Then there savings was gone. The next thing you now, they were here for our help.”
At their main location in Pensacola, Manna served an average of about 120 people per day. Since November, that number has soared to up to 250 people for day looking for food.
Manna Pantries provides a short-term emergency food source for those in need in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties. Food is distributed at seven locations in the two counties, including Century, Molino and Jay.
A total of 948 people were provided food by Manna at their mobile distribution site at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Molino during the last year. Another 622 people were provided emergency food at Manna’s Century location in the past year, and 365 received assistance in Davisville. The Davisville location was closed by Manna early in the year. An additional 1,025 people were assisted by Manna in nearby Jay.
In all, over 30,000 people received Manna’s assistance in the past year. The agency distributed over 560,000 pounds of food.
Manna relies on donations of money and non-perishable foods to survive. About one quarter of that food is donated during the postal service’s mailbox food drive in May, and a majority of the other donations come during the November to December holiday period.
But about two weeks ago, Sowell was a bit worried. Her warehouses were down to mostly beans and soup, and that did not provide a nutritionally balanced bag of food to those in need.
‘Even with the economy down, those than can donate need to do so,” Sowell said. “We need help.”
If you are interested in helping the Manna Food Pantries, you can make food donations at any of the many food drives held in North Escambia during the year. A food drive is currently underway at the Century Branch Library. Or, you can visit any Manna location, call 432-2053 or visit www.mannafoodpantries.org/donations.html
If you need help from Manna, you can visit their web site at www.mannafoodpantries.org/pantries.html for complete information on receiving assistance.
North Escambia Manna locations are:
Century Pantry
7470 N. Century Blvd.
Intersection of Hwy 29 and West Highway 4
(next to the courthouse)
Thursday – Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Molino Mobile Pantry
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
6915 North Highway 29
Mondays 10 a.m. – noon
Jay Pantry
First Baptist Church
214 South Alabama Street
Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Northview’s Halteman Named To County All-Star Band
December 11, 2008
A Northview High School band standout has been named to the county’s honor band.
Briana Halteman was named as a flute player for the Escambia County School District’s All-County High School Honor Band for 2008-2009. She was the only Northview Tribal Breat member named to the band.
“I am excited that I made All-County Band since it is my senior year, and am really looking forward to this experience,” Halteman said.
Halteman current serves as the Northview Tribal Beat’s Drum Major (pictured left, click to enlarge).
Students were selected based upon auditions conducted by all District high school band directors earlier this week at Escambia High School.
The Escambia All-County Band will perform January 27 at 7 p.m. at the Pensacola High School Auditorium.
The complete list of band players and their instruments is below.
Northview High School
Briana Halteman, flute.
Tate High School
Rachael Cotton, flute; Leslie Ann Godwin, flute; Caitlin Boutwell, flute; Brianna Latourelle, flute; Samantha Bell, flute; Stephanie Bruce, oboe; Courtney Bonucchi, clarinet; Jill Wilson, clarinet; Alyssa Jackson, clarinet; Denise Rivers, clarinet; Avery Cobb, clarinet; Sarah Barlow, clarinet; Leigh Wisdom, clarinet; Miranda Crider, bass clarinet; Ashley Phillips, bassoon; Randi Silcox, bassoon; Steven Triplett, alto saxophone; Matthew Cassady, alto saxophone; Daeshen Smith, alto saxophone; Chris Hester, trumpet; Ben Carmichael, trumpet; Chris Snyder, trumpet; Kellie Gindl, trumpet; Michael Dobbs, trumpet; Michael Hall, trumpet; Jacob Dearrington, trumpet; Joey Hicks, trumpet; Andrew Fairbanks, French horn; Emily Creahan, French horn; Amanda Heathcoe, French horn; Jackson Willis, trombone; Matt Warren, trombone; Blane Pinney, trombone; Samantha Bruce, baritone; Jakob Wisdom, baritone; Ben Pement, baritone; Jordan Gutierrez, baritone; John Hassell, tuba; Eli Cawthon, tuba.
Pine Forest High School
Jessica Courtney, flute; Danielle Upman, clarinet; Hanna Moulder, clarinet; Joseph Wright, tuba.
Washington High School
Sasha Tittel, flute; LaKrista Battle, flute; Jeremy Watson, clarinet; Monique Starke, clarinet; Christina Ferguson, clarinet; Miriam Bellamy, clarinet; Jessica Harris, clarinet; Wilson Virgilio, bassoon; Raymond Spencer, tenor saxophone; Scotty Poyner, baritone saxophone; James Westmark, trumpet; Daniel Campbell, trumpet; Colin Mitchell, trumpet; Kalee Burns, trombone; Lindsey Harris, tuba; Brandon Spencer, tuba; Eric Kyles, tuba; Tevin Purifoy, tuba.
Pensacola High School
Dosom Bae, flute; Eileen Morse, baritone saxophone.
Escambia High School
Janae Baptiste, flute; Ralf Romero, flute; Hannah Bergstrom, flute; Katelin Greene, flute; Jovy Carambas, flute; Mary Murphy, oboe; Alehna Crowe, clarinet; Megan Beebe, clarinet; Chierstie Braas, clarinet; Allison Kane, clarinet; Lauren Burns, clarinet; Ashley Vanstraten, clarinet; Angelita Moore, clarinet; Nicole Samuels, clarinet and bass clarinet; Erica Thornton, bass clarinet; Ellie Margedant, contra clarinet; Bryson Viquelia, contra clarinet; Brandon Ramsey, alto saxophone; Mitchell Green, alto saxophone; Zack Blessing, alto saxophone; Larry Hughes, tenor saxophone; Richard Shasteen, tenor saxophone; Drew Pritchard, trumpet; Chris Polk, trumpet; Joel Everette, trumpet; Taylor Vanstraten, trumpet; Colin Slavin, trumpet; Kevin Unruh, French horn; Dontye’ Johnson, French horn, Jessica Dennis, French horn; Stephen French, trombone; Brendan Landrum, trombone; Steven Saul, trombone; Westin Giles, baritone; Ryan Ludvik, tuba; Dalton Dennis, tuba; Alex Berg, mallets; Jeff Cutaio, mallets; Dimitri Baptiste, mallets; Randall Massey, mallets; DeJarvea Bryant, percussion; Nicholas Berg, percussion.
Home-school
Kyle Hansen, French horn.